When Should Stocking Rate Decisions be Made? Stocking rate decisions should be made before the ranch's resources are jeopardized, and adjusted seasonally to balance forage demand with forage supply. The stocking rate chosen initially may not be the right one all year. Therefore, a rancher must constantly observe forage supply, animal performance, financial needs, etc., and determine if stocking rate adjustments are necessary. Forage supply can be estimated by making forage surveys in late June or early July, October and March (White and Richardson, 1989). At the same time, projected forage demand in the coming months can be determined and compared to the forage supply to determine if adequate forage is available. Authors: Larry D. White, Allan McGinty